County Clare, IRELAND, Tue 26th June 2007 - The Clare County Development Board has welcomed the approval of grant assistance by the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government to five community projects in Clare.

Among the projects to benefit under the Social & Community Facilities Capital Scheme 2007 are Shannon Community Leisure Centre, Raheen Community Hospital (extension to respite facilities for the elderly), Kilfenora Community Hall (refurbishment), Cooraclare Community Graveyard and Killaloe Community Hall (refurbishment and upgrade). Each project will receive EUR30,000 on completion of the proposed work.

"Each of the projects are community based and will greatly enhance the fabric of community life in each location along with providing improved opportunities and quality of life for the people in each of the areas", stated Councillor Patricia McCarthy (Ind), Chairperson on the County Development Board.

She added, "Funding for these projects will provide an additional and much needed boost for each of the communities as they have all been and continue to be involved in extensive local fund raising for these projects."

"The grant assistance to local communities is vital in helping develop sustainable communities and also in providing encouragement to those working in a voluntary capacity through out the county", Councillor McCarthy concluded.

The Social & Community Facilities Capital Scheme was established and rolled out in 2006 to fund targeted capital developments, carried out through local authorities, which are designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:
- Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of the Clare County Development Board is available for interview on 087-4187132. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or email media@dunphypr.com.

"Clare County Development Board - To shape and support a strategy which will ensure that all the people and the places of the county are valued and respected"